r. It is apparent that Lily, in her search for her husband, is only concerned with prestige, wealth, and status. This shallow, materialistic way of thinking plays a role in her tragic death. She is clearly not in touch with what is truly important and substantial. Jane, on the other hand, is only concerned that her mate will share the same values that she does. She is not concerned with his money or place on the social ladder. Her desires delve much deeper and focus on what is within rather than what is owned and possessed externally.In both novels, Lily and Jane are identified as the heroines of the novels.While this is easy to see with Jane, I find it difficult to agree with regarding Lily.This is because it is hard to see a “heroine” as someone who drinks, screws around, and is generally amoral. This description of a character does not carry the typical characteristicsof what most would consider to be a heroine. However, Jane clearly exhibits the identityof a heroine. Aside from being a striking figure, she is considered a heroine for many reasons. She displays patience and understanding of interpersonal relationships. Also,she is very particular with detail regarding her education at Lowood to teaching Adele at Thornfield. Finally, she incorporates her strong moral sense into every decision shecontemplates.Both Jane Eyre and House of Mirth end dramatically, however, very differentfrom each other. Eventually, Jane is married to her love, Rochester, and is experiencingfulfillment and joy at its best for the first real time in her life. She expresses her happiness after Rochester’s proposal by saying, “if ever I thought a good thought - if ever I prayed a sincere and blameless prayer - if ever I wished a righteous wish - I am rewarded now." Here she implies that she has been rewarded, as if, for a good deed. In a sense, her engagement can be seen as a reward in that somehow, perhapsin an unearth...
